The symptoms of a wry neck include a sudden onset of pain and difficulty moving the neck.
This can be caused by a sudden movement of the head or when the neck is placed in an awkward position for a long time i.e. sleeping on a pillow. The structures involved are either:
- Facet joint – small joints on either side of the vertebrae
- Disc – the thick layer of cushioning between each vertebrae
Facet Joint Wry Neck
Usually caused by a sudden movement of the head, affecting the upper neck.
The person complains of their neck being ‘stuck’ in a position due to pain and muscle spasm.
Disc Wry Neck
Often the result of sleeping in an awkward position and wakening up with neck pain.
Pain is usually situated around the bottom of the neck and radiates into the shoulder blades.
Treatment is aimed at restoring full pain-free neck movements.
Treatment techniques include massage, joint mobilisations, neck stretches and muscle strengthening exercises.